Press Releases

Rhode Island Kicks Off Third Annual Quahog Week On March 26

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and its partners will kick off the Third Annual Rhode Island Quahog Week with a special launch event this month. Quahog Week, which runs March 26 to April 1, highlights the importance of Rhode Island's wild harvest shellfish to the state's history, traditions, and economy. As part of the week, participating restaurants and markets will feature quahog-inspired menu items and deals, and Quahog Week partners will hold special events.

WHERE: Save The Bay
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, Rhode Island

WHEN: Monday, March 26, 2018
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

At the launch event, local shellfishermen will be on hand to educate guests about their profession. Guests will enjoy a raw bar and creative preparations of the quahog, courtesy of participating local restaurants. A short speaking program also is planned. The event is free, but space is limited. RSVP to Adam Hadley at adam.hadley@dem.ri.gov.

Quahogging has a rich history locally, supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of fishermen year-round as well as serving as a treasured pastime for Rhode Island families. Demand for these delicious local clams swells in the summer months due, in large part, to the popularity of clam cakes and stuffies. But they also make the perfect fare for winter chowders and other dishes. Quahog "Restaurant" Week shines a light on our favorite local clam and its many uniquely Rhode Island preparations. Restaurants and markets interested in participating are encouraged to sign up by contacting Adam Hadley at adam.hadley@dem.ri.gov. For more information on planned programming or to sign up as a Quahog Week partner or participating venue, visit www.seafoodri.com.

"Whenever I go out to eat, I look for Rhode Island shellfish," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "I know I'm not alone. Our flavorful clams and oysters are enjoyed all over the world. Going out on the water with our local fishermen has made me appreciate the hard work and dedication at the heart of our fishing industry. Quahog Week is a special opportunity to step back and celebrate our wild harvest shellfish ? as well as our state's amazing array of eateries. I look forward to sampling the many tasty dishes that will be featured by our partner restaurants and preparing my own at home. I hope everyone joins in the fun during Quahog Week."

Rhode Island is known for its food and diverse food cultures. Our booming local food sector supports more than 60,000 jobs and continues to attract and inspire the imagination of entrepreneurs and innovators. The local fishing industry has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the equation. The commercial industry, which includes both wild harvest and aquaculture operations, generates close to $200 million in annual sales, supports nearly 7,000 jobs, and generates about $150 million in annual income. Last year, more than 22 million quahogs (off-the-boat value of $5 million) were harvested from Narragansett Bay and local coastal waters. To support continued industry growth, the state, along with its partners, developed the RI Seafood brand to uniquely identify local seafood in the marketplace and to provide a brand under which local seafood events and activities can take place.
For more information about Quahog Week and/or a list of participating restaurants and markets, visit www.seafoodri.com or @RISeafoodRocks on Facebook. Join the conversation in social media, using #QuahogWeek.
Quahog Week partners include the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Brown University Dining Services, Dave's Marketplace, Discover Newport, Eat Drink RI, Eating with the Ecosystem, Go Providence, Narragansett Bay Lobsters, RI Commerce, RI Department of Environmental Management, RI Shellfisherman's Association, Save The Bay, and the University of Rhode Island.